Well, howdy there, folks! Fred Talley here again, your friendly neighborhood bug-buster from Faith Pest Control in Jasper, Georgia. Now, usually, I’m talkin’ ’bout keepin’ the creepy crawlies out of your home. But today, I wanna talk about somethin’ a whole lot sweeter, somethin’ that brings folks from all over to our neck of the woods: Mercier Orchards up in Blue Ridge.

Now, I know what you’re thinkin’ – “Fred, an apple orchard? What’s a pest control guy got to say about that?” Well, let me tell ya, even a man who spends his days trackin’ down rodents and sprayin’ for spiders appreciates a good, wholesome, family-friendly outing. And Mercier Orchards, bless their hearts, they’ve been doin’ it right for generations.

First off, let’s talk about the main event: the apples! Oh, the apples. They’ve got more varieties than I’ve got traps in my truck, it seems. From crispy Galas to tart Granny Smiths, sweet Honeycrisps to juicy Fujis, they’ve got an apple for every taste bud out there. And the best part? During apple season, you can go pick ’em yourself! There’s somethin’ truly satisfying about walkin’ through those rows of trees, findin’ that perfect, ripe apple, and pluckin’ it right off the branch. It’s a real hands-on experience, and it connects you to the land in a way that just buyin’ ’em at the grocery store never could. My grandkids, they absolutely love it. We make a day of it every year.

But Mercier’s ain’t just about apples. Not by a long shot! They’ve got a fantastic market there, full of all sorts of delicious goodies. Their fried pies? Oh, mercy! Those things are legendary. Warm, flaky crust filled with apple, peach, or whatever fruit is in season – they’re worth the drive alone. And their apple cider? Fresh-pressed, sweet, and just what you need on a crisp autumn day. They’ve got jellies, jams, local honey (now, that’s a different kind of pest I appreciate!), and all sorts of other local products. It’s a real treasure trove of North Georgia goodness.

And they’re not just about the fruit. Mercier’s is a full-on farm experience. They’ve got tractor tours that take you out into the orchards, where you can learn a little about how they grow all that delicious fruit. They’ve got a bakery where you can watch ’em makin’ all those pies and donuts. And during certain times of the year, they even have u-pick for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. It’s a real working farm, and they do a mighty fine job of sharing it with folks like us.

Now, a little Fred Talley tip: Mercier Orchards gets busy, especially on fall weekends. So, if you’re plannin’ a trip, try to go on a weekday if you can, or get there early on a weekend to beat the crowds. And wear comfortable shoes, ’cause you’ll be doin’ some walkin’.

What I appreciate about Mercier Orchards, beyond all the tasty treats, is that it’s a true family establishment, built on hard work and good, honest values. Just like at Faith Pest Control, they care about their community and they care about what they do. It’s a testament to the kind of folks we have here in North Georgia.

So, next time you’re lookin’ for a sweet escape, a taste of autumn (or any season, really!) in the mountains, head on up to Mercier Orchards. It’s more than just a place to buy fruit; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to make memories with your loved ones, enjoy the bounty of the land, and just soak in the good, wholesome atmosphere. And who knows, you might even see a few less actual pests than usual after fillin’ up on all that good apple cider! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I just smelled a hint of something sweet… no, wait, that’s just the memory of a fried pie. Back to work!